Biographical and historical record of Greene and Carroll counties, Iowa. Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Cleveland, with accompanying biographies of each; portraits and biographies of the governors of the state and a concise history of the two counties and their cities and villages, Part 45

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 728

USA > Ohio > Greene County > Biographical and historical record of Greene and Carroll counties, Iowa. Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Cleveland, with accompanying biographies of each; portraits and biographies of the governors of the state and a concise history of the two counties and their cities and villages > Part 45
USA > Ohio > Carroll County > Biographical and historical record of Greene and Carroll counties, Iowa. Containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Cleveland, with accompanying biographies of each; portraits and biographies of the governors of the state and a concise history of the two counties and their cities and villages > Part 45

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

eighty acres on seetion 23, which is also improved. It is one of the best farms in the neighborhood and is devoted to stoek-raising. Mr. Henderson was born in Oneida County, New York, March 18, 1832, son of F. W. and Ann IIenderson. The family removed to Roek County, Wisconsin, in the spring of 1850. The father died in that county in 1857. Of their three children Horace L. was the eldest and the only son. The daugh- ters, Mary E. and Elizabeth, are both deceased. In 1858 Mr. Henderson was married to Miss Margaret M. Morris, daughter of William E. and Zabiah Morris, who was born in Ontario, Wayne County, New York, July 3, 1837. Her youth was spent at Rochester. Her family removed to Roek County, Wisconsin, in 1850. The parents now reside in Beatrice, Gage County, Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson followed farming in Wisconsin until they came to this county. They have eight children-Mary, wife of Eli Roberts, Frank. Nettie, Henry, Reuben, Jesse, Earl and Charles. All but Mrs. Roberts are still under the parental roof. Politically Mr. Henderson is a Republican. He is one of the representa- tive men of the county.

ATRICK REYNOLDS, farmer and stoek-raiser, section 19, Junetion Town- ship, Greene County. Iowa, is a native of Ireland, born in County Monahan, a son Terrence Reynolds, now deceased. He re- mained in his native country until manhood, and in the winter of 1851-'52 eame to the United States and located first in Cayuga County, New York. The next year he went to Genesee County, and in the fall of 1853 eame West as far as Illinois, and worked in different counties of that State as a farm hand until 1857. when he came to lowa and has

sinee ealled Greene County his home, although for some years he spent a part of his time in Illi- nois. When he first came to Iowa wild animals were numerous and the streams abounded in fish, Mr. Reynolds often going out in the morning and eatching enough fish for break- fast. There was but one bridge in the county when he came, and neither school- house nor church. There were but fifteen houses in Jefferson and not a house between Lizzard Creek and Fort Dodge. The most of the trading was done at Des Moines. Mr. Reynolds has been successful and now owns a fine farm of 410 acres, and his building im- provements are comfortable and commodious. He makes a specialty of stock-raising, having some of the finest grades of eattle and hogs. Mr. Reynolds was married October 17, 1876, to Mary A. Kane, a native of Lower Canada, daughter of Patrick Kane.

P. ROOT, one of the prominent business men of Jefferson, has been identified 0 with the interests of this town sinee April, 1875. In October, 1874, Mr. Root eame to Greene County from Northfield. Rice Conn- ty, Minnesota, and purchased a farm of Isaac Peterson two and a half miles southeast of Jefferson. In April of the following year he settled upon his farm with his family. In February, 1878, he bought a livery barn in Jefferson of Mrs. Lanahm, which he con- dueted until the fall of 1881, then sold out. May 1, 1882, he bought the east side meat- market of Joseph Hiddleson, which he still ownIs. He was born in Huron County, Ohio, in March, 1845. When two years of age his parents emigrated to Wisconsin, locating in the town of Dartford, then Green Lake, now Marquette County. In 1860 the family re- moved to Northfield, Minnesota, where the

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father, John L. Root, died in October, 1880. The mother, Maria (Clinton) Root, came to Greene County after the death of her hns- band and is now the wife of William Craw- ford. There are three surviving children of John L. Root and wife-Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Sargent, of Minneapolis; John C., a resident of Brownton, MeLeod County, Min- nesota, and D. P. The latter was married at Northfield to Miss Ella F. Wayne, a native of Wisconsin. They have four daughters- Hattie L., Margie, Jessie and Mary. Horace L. and an infant son are deceased.

ENRY KETTELL, salesman for Mish & Co., Grand Junction, was born in Buckinghamshire, England, August 21, 1840, son of Joseph and Elizabeth Kettell, natives of the same place, the former being deceased, and the latter living in England at the age of eighty-three years. Our subjeet came to the United States in the spring of 1858, settling in Tipton, this State, where he followed brick-laying and plastering until 1863. He then enlisted in Company B, Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry, and partici- pated in the battles of Mansfield, Winches- ter, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek, and several others. He removed to Wilton Junetion, Museatine County, Iowa, in the fall of 1865, living there two years, then went to Durant, Cedar County, and lived until 1869, eoming to Grand Junetion at that time, where he has since resided. Ile followed his trade most of the time until 1883, when he accepted his present situation. November 28, 1867, he married Josephine M. Deming, daughter of George Deming, of Durant, and to this union were born three children, two of whom are living-William H. and Laura E. Mrs. Kettell died September 30, 1880. and in De-

eember, 1881, Mr. Kettell was married to Diantha C. Peninger, daughter of Joseph Peninger, of Grand Junction. They have one child-Edwin Blaine. Mr. Kettell is a member of the Odd Fellows society, also of the Grand Army of the Republic.

FAMES J. WILLIAMSON, engaged in farming on seetion 31, Washington Township, where he owns forty-two aeres of choice land, is a native of Ohio, born in Madison County, Jannary 31, 1843, a son of James Williamson, who is now deceased. His father was born in North Carolina, and in 1823, when twenty-one years old, lie located in Madison County, Ohio. He had received no education up to that time, and seeing the young men of the north so much in advance of those of the south he determined to edu- eate himself, and by private study and elose observation, he became sufficiently educated to engage in teaching school. IIe subse- quently engaged in the mercantile business. He was commissioned Colonel of a militia regiment under Governor Brough. James A. Williamson, the subject of this sketelı, was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he has followed through life, and in his youth he attended the common schools, where he received a fair education. In 1852 he was brought by his parents to McLean County, Illinois, where he remained till 1868. Sep- tember 25, 1866, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Greene, a daughter of Joseph Greene. of IIarrison County, Missouri. Ten children have been born to this union, of whom six are living-Lura, Olive, James G., Martha, Ellen and Marshall. Three of their children died of diphtheria. In the fall of 1868 Mr. Williamson removed to Harrison County. Missouri, and the following year came to

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Des Moines, Iowa, thence to Greene County in 1870, where he has sinee resided, and in Mareli, 1881, settled on his present farm in Washington Township, and by industry and good management he has brought his farm under an excellent state of enltivation.

EORGE W. STATES, farmer, section 22, Washington Township, was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 17, 1850. His father, Emanuel States, of La Salle County, Illinois, emigrated to that county in 1861. Hle was reared on a farm, and edu- cated in the high-school of Ottawa, Illinois. He taught school during the winter season for twelve years, and worked on the farm during the summer. While in Illinois he held the office of township assessor, and town- ship trustee. He came to this county in the spring of 1881, loeating upon his present farm, where he owns 160 aeres of land. He was married February 26, 1881, to Jennie Harman, born in Upper Canada in 1860. They have one child-Burton J. Mr. States is serving as assessor, and has been road supervisor. In polities he is a Greenbacker.

RANCIS T. RICE, farmer, section 29, Washington Township, was born in Athens County, Ohio, August 15, 1819, son of Henry Rice, deceased, a native of Vir- ginia, who came to Ohio when young. He was reared on a farm, and educated in the subscription schools of that day. The schools were taught in log cabins, with slab seats, and boards on pins for desks. There were puncheon floors, elapboard roofs, huge fire- places in one end of the room, with mud and stick chimneys and stone baek walls.

Our subject came to Fountain County. Indi- ana, when nine years old, and to Dallas County, this State, in 1852, where he entered 320 acres of land and settled among Indians and wild animals. He came to Greene County July 4, 1855, thence to Leavenworth, Kan- sas, in March, 1858, thenee to Champaign County, Illinois, in August of the same year, thenee back to Dallas County, Iowa, in 1864, and to this county in 1873, settling in Wash- ington Township, which has since been his home. Ile owns eighty aeres of land, and is engaged in farming and stoek-raising. He was married May 13, 1849, to Martha J. Kip- linger, daughter of Jacob Kiplinger, now deceased. They are the parents of eight ehil- dren-Columbus, Margaret, Eveline, Isabelle, Charles, Aaron, William and James. While in Kansas he helped to make it a State, and voted under musketry and eannon.

AMES B. JOHNSON, proprietor of the marble and granite works at Grand Junetion, was born in Toronto, Canada, January 21, 1844, son ot Oliver Johnson, a native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, now deceased. He was edneated in his native town, and graduated from Musgrove & Wright's College of that place in February, 1865. A few weeks later he came to the States and enlisted in the Union Army, be- coming a member of Company G, Forty- ninth New York Infantry. He served awhile as private elerk for the Sergeant of the bar- raeks at Hart's Island, New York harbor, and was then commissioned as Captain's elerk, and served in that capacity until discharged May 12, 1865. After the war he went to California, via Niearaugua route, and con- dueted a meat market at Jenny Lind, in that State, for three years. In 1868 he returned

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to Canada then went back to California and opened a meat market in the same place as when there before. In one year he returned to Canada. In 1870 he went to Wooster, Ohio, thence to Moberly, Missouri, thence back to Wooster, and in the fall of 1879 came to Grand Junetion, bringing his family the following year, where they have since resided. He was married October 6, 1874, to Ella S. Siegenthaler, daughter of Alfred J. Siegen- thaler, of Wooster, Ohio, and they have six children-Minnie, Mande, Georgia, Annie, Gertie and Edward. Mr. Johnson served as assessor of Grand Junction two years, and school director one term. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Legion of Honor, An- cient order of United Workmen and Knights of Labor. He is also a member of the Pres- byterian church. He is one of the solid bus- iness mien of Grand Junetion.

JOHN GRAY, an early resident of Jeffer- son, and one of the well known business men of that city, is engaged in the har- ness trade, his location being in the Opera- House Block. Ile established his business in January, 1868, and was first located on the northeast corner of the square, where he put up a frame building and occupied it about three years. The first harness-maker of Jefferson was J. F. Anderson, who was still here when Mr. Gray opened the business. About 1871 Mr. Gray and Mr. Anderson formed a partnership, which continued about two years. He was then alone for a time. In 1874 he sold out to Philip Rodocker and settled upon a farm in what is now Grant Township, and engaged in fruit culture, with some peach and pear trees. This enterprise was not altogether a success, the climate proving too severe. He still owns the fruit

farm. In January, 1880, he re-engaged in business. Mr. Gray was born in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, December 24, 1833. His parents were Lester W. and Diantha P. Gray. When he was five years of age the family removed to Illinois and settled in Galesburg. In 1844 the parents removed to Aurora, same State, where the father died in the fall of 1881; the mother is still living at Aurora. They had four sons and one dangh- ter, all of whom grew to maturity; they lost two sons in early life. At the age of seventeen our subjeet began learning his trade at Aurora, and after completing it worked a part of the time and attended school a part of the time in Henry, Illinois, and also at other points. In 1855 he engaged in the coal trade with his father, continuing in that business for two or three years. In 1858 he resmned his trade at Wataga, near Galesburg, remaining until September, 1861, when he enlisted in the service of his country. He became a member of Company K, Forty-fifth Illinois Infantry, serving three years and three months. When the regiment was mustered into the service he was made First Lientenant of his company. He participated in the capture of Fort Donel- son, and was both days in the terrible fight at Shiloh. The first day of that battle Cap- tain B. T. Holcomb, of his company, was disabled, and Mr. Gray commanded the company during the remainder of the battle. His regiment lost heavily in this struggle. Of the thirty-nine men who went into the fight only thirteen returned, the remainder being either killed or wounded. Lieutenant Gray commanded the company much of the time during the remainder of his term of service; taking part in the siege of Corinthi, thence to Jackson, Tennessee. In the Holly Springs expedition he was aid-de-eamp to General T. J. McKean, a position which he ocenpied until mustered out of service in

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December, 1864, his term of enlistment having expired. He then returned to his home in Knox County, Illinois. Ile reached his majority about the time the Republican party was organized, and cast his first presi- dential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856. In 1867 he represented his district in the Legislature of Illinois. Mr. Gray has been engaged a part of the time in the real estate business. He was married in Illinois, before the war, to Lucretia A. Smith, who was born in Rochester, Peoria County, that State. They have three children-Ward, Wade and Percy. Lester died when in his twentieth year. Frank, and another one named Perey, died in early childhood.

Nellie, William, Orville and Minnie. Frank died March 3, 1886, at the age of fourteen years. Mr. Roby served as constable eight years, was depnty sheriff one term, marshal three terms, and road supervisor two years. He is a member of the society of Good Templars.

- AUGUSTUS KOENIG is a native of Prussia, Germany, born in the province of Mecklenburg, on the River Elbe, March 15, 1828, a son of Peter and Sophie Koenig. He is the third of a family of six children, and the only one to leave the father- land. His parents both died about 1881 and but two of their children are living-Augus- tus and Theodore. The father was a tanner and Augustus worked with him in his youth. When twenty years of age he left home and embarked for the United States, landing at New York City in the summer of 1848. Proceeding West he made his home in the then small village which is now the capital of Wisconsin, living there until 1871, when he

ILLIAM G. ROBY, wagon and ear- riage maker at Grand Junction, was born in Utica, New York, February 14, 1832. His father, Silas Roby, now of Imlay City, Michigan, is a native of Reeds Ferry, Massachusetts, on the Merrimac River. He settled on a farm in Michigan in 1842. Our subject left home when thirteen years of i came to lowa and located on section 19, age, and when sixteen years old went to learn ! Scranton Township, Greene County, being the pioneer settler of his neighborhood. His farm contains 160 acres of choice land, all well improved. Mr. Koenig was married in Madison, Wisconsin, November 8, 1851, to Miss Sophia Brockmiller, a native of Prussia, Germany, born May 25, 1834. They have had thirteen children-William, born Au- gust, 1853; George, born September, 1854, died in infaney; Charles, born February, 1856; Augustus, born March, 1857; Otto, February, 1862; Henry, February, 1864; Emma. September, 1865; Lonis, August, 1867; Eida, January, 1869: Ella, March, 1871; Mary, December, 1873; Albert, May, 1875; Lilly, July, 1878. Mr. Koenig and his trade in Romeo, Michigan; he also learned the carpenter's trade and the millwright trade, which he followed several years. He came to this county in 1870 and built the mill ele- vator here, and also put up many scales. His elevators have hopper bottoms. IIe estab- lished his present business here in 1870, which he has continued ever since, and occa- sionally does some carpenter work. He was married March 4, 1856, to Elsie Brockway, of Clyde, New York, daughter of Freeman Brockway, who is now deceased; her mother is living with her. and is seventy-three years old. Mr. and Mrs. Roby have had eight children, five of whom are living-Charles,

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his family are members of the Lutheran church. In politics he is a Democrat. Hc was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, going out under Captain Fairehild, later Governor of Wisconsin, and now comman- der-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Re- public.

OSIAH JONES, residing on seetion 23, Jackson Township. owns one of the finest quarter sections of land in the township. He was born in the State of New Hampshire, November 19, 1833, son of Samuel and Mir- iam Jones, also natives of New Hampshire. The family emigrated to Bureau County, Illi- nois, in 1837, where the father died at Prince- ton, May 11, 1880. The children were- Joseph F., Josiah, Sarah E .. Mary A., Enoch (deceased), Mrs. Henrietta Sayers, Mrs. A. Phillips, and Anna M. (deceased). Mr. Jones, though possessed of ample means, has thus far lived a single life and refuses to become a benedict. Ilis sister is his housekeeper. Ile has been very prosperous since coming to Greene County, and is one of the leading citizens of the county. He is known to be an honest man in all his dealings with his fellow man. Politically he is a Democrat,

VERETT T. OXLEY, farmer, section 5, Junction Township, is a native of Linn County, Iowa, born Deeember 22, 1852. His father, James M. Oxley, is a na- tive of Indiana, and came to Iowa when a young man, being one of the pioneers of Linn County. Everett T. was reared a farmer, re- ceiving a common-school education in his native county. He moved to Greene Coun- ty in March, 1876, and settled on the farm

where he now lives. Ife owns eighty acres of good land, well improved, with a pleas- ant residence and good farm buildings. He is one of the representative men of his town- ship, taking an active interest in everything that pertains to the public welfare. . He has served as road supervisor and school director, and at present is serving as constable. Ile is a member of the Odd Fellows order, in which he is much interested. Mr. Oxley was mar- ried in November, 1875, to Elizabeth Cor- nell, daughter of James D. Cornell. They have five children-Edgar F., Nellie L., Ma- bel A., Herman and Florence R.

J. JONES, farmer, section 14, Ken- drick Township, was born in Chautau- qua County, New York, October 24, 1836. His father, Benjamin Jones, was a native of Canada, and his mother, Sophia (Baker) Jones, was a native of Massaehn- setts. The parents were married in New York, and reared a family of eight children --- William, Phillip, Phebe, Samuel, Matthew, Allen, Hiram J. and Oshea. Our subjeet was reared a farmer and received his educa- tion in the common schools of his native county. When eighteen years of age he re- moved to Henry County, Illinois, and in 1861 he went to the mining regions and spent four years in Idaho and Montana, en- gaged in mining, and met with fair snecess. In 1864 he returned to his native county, where he lived three years engaged in the oil business. In 1868 he removed to Greene County, this State. July 3, 1870, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Angeline Buek, who was the mother of eight children-Car- oline, Lovina, Iliram, Jennette, Mary, Allen, Martha and Samuel. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have had five children - Benjamin,

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Pleasant. Charley, Dora; Ida is deceased. Mr. Jones owns one of the best farms in the township. It contains 340 acres, which is well improved and well cultivated. He lias a fine two-story residence, built in modern style, well furnished, a large and commodious barn for stock and grain, and everything about the farm denotes enterprise and thrift. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are worthy and zealous members of the Methodist church, and are liberal supporters of the gospel. Politically Mr. Jones affiliates with the Republican party.

J. FITZPATRICK, postoffice Churdan, one of the prosperous agriculturists of Cedar Township. engaged in farming and stoek-raising on section 23, was born in Ireland in Mareh, 1841, a son of Miles and Julia Fitzpatrick, who were natives of the same country. They were the parents of nine children, our subjeet being the sixth eliild. They came with their family to America in 1847, settling on a farm in Illi- nois. Our subject was fourteen years old when his parents left Illinois and settled on the farm in Greene County, Iowa, in June, 1855, which is yet his home. The farm was at that time in a state of nature, entirely un- improved, and consisted of forty acres of JEORGE ANDREW, residing on sec- tion 6, Bristol Township, is one of the most estimable citizens of Greene County, and one of the early settlers of his neighborhood. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, within fourteen miles of the city of Lincoln. He was reared to a farm life by his parents, George and Ann Andrew. He became a practical engineer, and was em- ployed eight years in England as a stationary and locomotive engineer. His wife was Miss timber and 120 acres of prairie land, to which our subject has since added 160 acres. The farm is now well-improved and under a fine state of cultivation, consisting of 320 acres, and is considered one of the best farms in Greene County. Here our subject was reared on the frontier farm, experiencing many of the hardships and privations inei- dent to pioneer life. His first postoffice was at Des Moines, and his milling was done at Peoria or Des Moines. He began life on | Catherine Hatter. They were wedded March

limited means, but by hard work, persevering energy and good management he has pros- pered in his agricultural pursuits and become the owner of his present fine property. He devotes considerable attention to stock-raising, having handled short-horn cattle for twelve years, and is now making a specialty.of the Hereford grade. He has also on his farm a fine imported horse, for which he paid about $2,033. He was united in marriage, Jannary 3, 1872, to Miss Kate Ragan, a daughter of Michael and Margaret Ragan, who were natives of Ireland. Mrs. Fitzpatrick was reared in Canada, and in 1870 eame with her parents to Greene County, Iowa. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick-Joseph, born October 16, 1872; Charles, born March 11, 1874, died April 22, 1874; Mary, born in July, 1882; John, born April 9, 1884, died June 9. 1884, and Lucy, born April 22, 1886. In polities Mr. Fitz- patrick is a Democrat and an anti-prohibi- tionist. He was one of the organizers of Cedar Township, and is a man of good stand- ing and a highly respected citizen of the community in which he resides. Hle and his family are members of the Roman Catholic church.

INAIMIA LI

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4, 1852. Mrs. Andrew was born in the same shire as her husband. The month following their marriage they embarked at Liverpool for New York City, and proceeded thence to Clayton County, this State, making their home at Farmersburg. Mr. Andrew bought eighty acres of land there, and there their children were all born. IIc was bereaved by the death of his wife in 1867. She died after a sickness of long duration and suffer- ing, at the age of thirty-six years. Mr. An- drew came to Greene County, accompanied by his six children, in 1871. He owns a good farm and is in comfortable circum- stances, and is possessed of the confidence and esteem of all who know him. Ilis chil- dren are-William, Catherine, Abbie. Clay- ton, Ella and Charles. Catherine is the wife of W. C. Stream, who, with her husband and children, Bert, Clarence, Ella and George, lives with Mr. Andrew. Abbie is the wife of James Clifferton; Ella married Alfred Flack; Charles lives with his father; William and Clayton are married and settled by them- selves. Mr. Andrew is not a member of any church, but he lives a practical Christian life. His wife was a consistent member of the Baptist church. In politics he is an ardent Republican.

AMES SANDERS, proprietor of Star Restaurant, Grand Junction, was born in South Wales December 25, 1829. His father, James Sanders, was a native of the same country, and removed to London, England, with his family when his son was quite young. They came to America in 1864, and lived in Chicago one year, then came to Clinton County. Iowa; thence to Jefferson, this county, in 1866, and ran a hotel and restaurant, also a billiard hall for three years. 32

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Author: Lewis Publishing Company Publication date: 1887 Publisher: Chicago : Lewis publishing company Number of Pages: 728

Author: Lewis Publishing Company
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Chicago : Lewis publishing company
Number of Pages: 728